Rwanda Calls UK Sanctions ‘Regrettable’ Amid Alleged M23 Support Claims

Rwanda has criticized the UK’s sanctions over alleged support for the M23 rebel group, calling the move “regrettable.” Read more on the diplomatic tensions.

Rwanda has criticized the UK’s recent sanctions as “regrettable” following accusations from the UK that Rwanda is backing M23 rebels in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office revealed a series of actions: halting direct financial assistance (though aid for the poorest Rwandans will continue), ceasing high-level participation in government events, and pausing defence cooperation.

Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry issued a response, asserting that the sanctions “do nothing to aid the Democratic Republic of Congo and fail to contribute to a lasting political resolution for the conflict.” The statement further stressed that it is unreasonable for Rwanda to jeopardize its national security, particularly given the ongoing violence in the region.

The sanctions come after the U.S. recently implemented economic measures against Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, alleging his significant involvement in supporting the M23 rebels on behalf of Rwanda.

Since December, the M23 group has extended its influence in eastern Congo by capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.

As the conflict intensifies, Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka informed the UN Human Rights Council that this year’s violence has led to over 7,000 deaths.